Given the proliferation of set-aside contracts in the federal government contracting industry, eligibility for the 8(a), HUBZone, women-owned and veteran-owned programs is critical.  This eligibility can greatly expand contracting opportunities and result in more contract awards.  But did you know that competitors have the right to officially question an award on the basis that the awardee is not, in fact, eligible under the applicable small business regulations?  These challenges can cost a contractor not only a current award, but their eligibility as a whole.  In this webinar, you will learn how to guard against the most common small-business pitfalls that can lead to a successful size and status protest against your award, and also learn how to use these protests as an affirmative tool to eliminate competitors who are not legitimate small businesses.  Experienced government contracts attorney Maria Panichelli will discuss the most common bases for size and status protests – including affiliation and control-related issues – as well as the procedures, timelines and litigation strategies relating to size and status protests.